Trump in Discussion: Incorporation of Azerbaijan into Abraham Accords
The U.S., particularly under former President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, is actively considering Azerbaijan for inclusion in the Abraham Accords [1]. This normalization agreement, initially signed by several Middle Eastern countries in September 2020, aims to deepen cooperation in trade and defense, building on existing diplomatic relations [1].
If Azerbaijan were to formally join the accords, it would solidify and formalize its already strong ties with Israel [2]. This inclusion aligns with broader U.S. efforts to expand the Abraham Accords beyond the initial Middle Eastern signatories by incorporating key strategic allies in new regions, such as Central Asia [5].
Azerbaijan's geographic and energy position as a bridge between East and West makes it a natural candidate for this broader regional approach [4]. Reports indicate that Trump aimed to expand the Abraham Accords into Central Asia, starting with Israel's ally Azerbaijan [5]. This implies progress in using Azerbaijan as a gateway to deepen regional integration and cooperation with Central Asian states, leveraging shared interests such as energy transit and strategic partnerships.
The long-standing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is a key element in the negotiations [1]. Azerbaijani officials have also reached out to other Central Asian countries to explore joint participation [6]. The Trump administration is in talks with Azerbaijan about joining the Abraham Accords, contingent on a peace deal between the two South Caucasus countries [1].
Meanwhile, there are signs of growing support for peace with Israel in Syria [7]. The PA denounces sheiks who want peace with Israel [8], but most Central Asian states and Azerbaijan already maintain ties with Israel [9]. The move is seen as a symbolic step to strengthen regional alliances and boost diplomatic momentum [1].
Trump has expressed optimism about resolving the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan [3], and there is no real intention of Hebron to detach from the PA [10]. The momentum around the Abraham Accords remains strong, with Trump suggesting that "We're going to be filling it up. A lot of countries want to come into the Abraham Accords" [3].
In late June, Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff estimated that the U.S. would soon make a significant announcement regarding the expansion of the Abraham Accords [5]. Aide Aryeh Lightstone held further talks with Azerbaijani officials in the spring [6]. As the negotiations progress, the potential inclusion of Azerbaijan in the Abraham Accords could mark a significant shift in regional politics and alliances.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/us-middle-east-diplomacy-trumps-envoy-witkoff-meets-azerbaijan-president-aliyev-2021-03-23/ [2] https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/azerbaijan-formally-joining-abraham-accords-would-solidify-its-ties-with-israel-669315 [3] https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/trump-says-momentum-around-abraham-accords-remains-strong-669378 [4] https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/analysis-the-abraham-accords-are-not-just-about-israel-669300 [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/exclusive-us-aimed-expand-abraham-accords-into-central-asia-starting-with-israels-ally-azerbaijan-2021-06-29/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/exclusive-us-aimed-expand-abraham-accords-into-central-asia-starting-with-israels-ally-azerbaijan-2021-06-29/ [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-backed-by-russia-iran-denounces-israel-arab-normalization-2021-04-08/ [8] https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/palestinian-authority-denounces-sheikh-who-wants-peace-with-israel-669340 [9] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/pro-israel-sheikh-car-torched-in-east-jerusalem-2021-05-19/ [10] https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/trump-suggests-momentum-around-abraham-accords-remains-strong-669378
- The Trump administration's discussions with Azerbaijan about joining the Abraham Accords suggest a strategic move in politics, as this inclusion could potentially broaden the accords to include key strategic allies in new regions like Central Asia, aligning with broader U.S. efforts in war-and-conflicts and general-news.
- Azerbaijan's potential entrance into the Abraham Accords not only solidifies its ties with Israel but also positions it as a gateway for deeper regional integration and cooperation with Central Asian states, reflecting shifts in the politics and alliances of these regions in the face of ongoing war-and-conflicts.
